What does 1 Samuel 16:9 mean?
"Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this." - 1 Samuel 16:9
The verse 1 Samuel 16:9 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this." This verse is part of the story of Samuel anointing David as the future king of Israel.
In this verse, the prophet Samuel is visiting the house of Jesse with the intention of anointing one of his sons as the next king. Jesse presents his eldest son, Eliab, to Samuel, thinking that he would be the chosen one. However, Samuel hears from the Lord that Eliab is not the one He has chosen. The verse then describes how Jesse presented his other sons to Samuel, but none of them were chosen by the Lord.
This verse is significant in the larger context of the biblical narrative as it represents the theme of divine selection and the idea that God's ways are not our ways. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans and purposes are higher than our own, and He sees and knows things that we do not.
The story of Samuel anointing David as the future king is one of the most famous and important narratives in the Old Testament. David, the youngest son of Jesse, is ultimately chosen by God and anointed by Samuel, despite not being initially considered by his father or brothers. This event marks the beginning of David's rise to power and his eventual kingship over Israel.
The biblical verse 1 Samuel 16:9 also conveys the theme of the importance of looking beyond outward appearances. Jesse's initial presentation of his sons to Samuel is based on their outward appearance and age, assuming that the eldest and strongest son would be the chosen one. However, God instructs Samuel to look beyond appearances and consider the heart of the individuals presented to him. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7, King James Version).
The verse also carries a message about the sovereignty of God and His divine plan. Despite human expectations and assumptions, it is ultimately God who chooses and anoints His leaders according to His will. This message is relevant not only to the biblical narrative but also to our own lives, reminding us to trust in God's plan and timing even when things may not align with our expectations.
Symbolically, the passing of Jesse's sons before Samuel can also represent the process of discernment and divine guidance. It serves as a visual representation of seeking God's will and waiting for His direction in making important decisions. It also highlights the idea of obedience to God's instructions, as Samuel faithfully follows the Lord's guidance in selecting the future king.
In conclusion, the verse 1 Samuel 16:9 from the King James Version of the Bible is a rich and powerful passage that encompasses themes of divine selection, looking beyond appearances, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of seeking His guidance. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's plan and to seek His will in our lives, even when things may not align with our expectations. The story of David's anointing is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to choose and raise up leaders according to His divine purposes.
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1 Samuel 16:9 - "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
"Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this." - 1 Samuel 16:9
1 Samuel 16:1–13
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 9:1-2
1 Samuel 16:10 - "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."
1 Samuel 9:15 - "¶ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"
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1 Samuel 16:8 - "Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
1 Samuel 9:25 - "¶ And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house."
1 Samuel 9:18 - "Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is."
1 Samuel 18:9 - "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
1 Samuel 28:16 - "Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
1 Samuel 16:4 - "And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?"
1 Samuel 16:13 - "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."
1 Samuel 15:16 - "Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on."
1 Samuel 17:16 - "And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days."
1 Samuel 6:16 - "And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day."
1 Samuel 16:14 - "¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him."
1 Samuel 10:16 - "And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not."
1 Samuel 9:17 - "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
1 Samuel 1:16 - "Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto."
1 Samuel 9:14 - "And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place."
1 Samuel 9:23 - "And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee."
2 Samuel 16:9 - "¶ Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head."
1 Samuel 9:16 - "To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me."
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
1 Samuel 9:26 - "And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad."
1 Samuel 23:16 - "¶ And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God."